Multiple deck garage construction



Feb. 7, W67 E. E. WHITE 3,302,339

MULTIPLE DECK GARAGE CONSTRUCTION Filed July 10, 1963 7 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR. ELLIS E. WHITE BY max,

ATTORNEYS.

Feb. 7, 1967 E. E. WHITE MULTIPLE DECK GARAGE CONSTRUCTION Filed July 10, 1963 '7 Sheets$heet 2 1ST. DECK (6N0) ATTO RN EYS.

INVENTOR. ELL\ 5 E. WHITE Feb. 7, 1967 E. E. WHITE 3,302,339

MULTIPLE DECK GARAGE CONSTRUQIION Filed July 10, 1963 7 Sheets-Sheet :5

MMLIIW nimii ii INVENTOR. k ELUS E. WH\TE v BY ATTORNEYS.

Feb. 7, 1967 E. E. WHITE 3,302,339

MULTIPLE DECK GARAGE CONSTRUCTION Filed July 10, 1963 7 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTOR. ELUS E. WHITE ATTORNEYS.

Feb. 7, 1967 E. E. WHITE 3,302,339

MULTIPLE DECK GARAGE CONSTRUCTION Filed July 10, 1963 7 Sheets$heet 5 INVENTOR.

HG ELL|5 E. WHITE ATTORN EYS Feb. 7, 1967 E. E. WHITE MULTIPLE DECK GARAGE CON STRUCTIO N 7 $heets$heet 6 Filed July 10, 1963 INVENTOR. ELLS E. WHITE ATTORNEYS.

Feb. 7, 1967 E. E. WHITE MULTIPLE DECK GARAGE CONSTRUCTION 7 Sheets-Sheet 7 Filed July 10, 1963 INVENTOR. ELL\ 5 E. WH\TE 5/ ATTORNEYS United States Patent 3,302,339 MULTIPLE DECK GARAGE CONSTRUCTION Ellis E. White, Beverly Hills, Calif., assignor to P0rt:A-

Park Corporation, Los Angeles, Calif a corporation of California Filed July 10, 1963, Ser. No. 293,965 7 Claims. (Cl. 52-1) This invention relates to multiple deck garage constructions and included in the objects of this invention are:

First, to provide a multiple deck garage construction incorporating novelly arranged ramp structures which not only communicate between the different decks but also are removable to close the ramp openings therein and form portions of the decks to facilitate maneuvering and parking of automobiles.

Second, to provide a multiple deck garage construction which, by reason of uniquely arranged movable ramps, is capable of occupying a minimum of ground space without sacrifice in efficiency of operation and without significant reduction in the number of parking spaces per deck in comparison to a single level parking lot.

Third, to provide a movable ramp structure which is hydraulically controlled for movement between a raised position essentially flush with the surface of an upper deck and an inclined position communicating between decks.

Fourth, to provide a modified ramp structure which is pivotally connected at opposite ends to sets of hydraulic lifts in such a manner that either end may be raised so that a vehicle may move in the same direction whether ascending or descending the ramp, and wherein both ends may be raised so that the ramp may form a portion .of

a deck surface.

Fifth, to provide a movable ramp structure which may occupy, when in its raised position, a depressed position insuflicient to interfere with passage of automobiles thereover and which in its inclined position rests on a fixed ramp on the lower deck proportioned to permit lateral as well as longitudinal travel thereover, whereby the ramp may be of minimum length for a given deck spacing.

Sixth, to provide a movable ramp structure, which incorporates afolda-ble guard rail means arranged toraise and guard the ramp opening, when the ramp is inclined, and to fold flush with the deck when the ramp closes the ramp opening.

Seventh, to provide a movable ramp structure having hydraulic lift cylinders incorporating collapsible guard means therearound to protect the hydraulic means and automobiles from mutual damage.

Eighth, to provide a movable ramp structure, wherein the underside thereof is provided with touch sensitive means for stopping or reversing movement of the ramp should the ramp descend on a person, automobile, or other interfering object, the ramp also incorporating a hinged and counterbalanced lower end adapted to deflect should it engage an interfering object.

Ninth, to provide a multiple deck garage structure wherein the decks are arched transversely to the ramp so that vehicles tend to roll away from the ramp area when in their parking stalls.

With the above and other objects in view, as may appear hereinafter, reference is directed to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIGURE 1 is a diagrammatical perspective view showing the multiple deck garage construction with portions broken away;

FIGURE 2 is a composite plan view showing the first, second, and third decks of the garage construction;

FIGURE 3 is a fragmentary longitudinal sectional view of the garage construction taken through 3-3 of FIG- URE 1;

FIGURE 4 is a transverse sectional view thereof taken through 44 of FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 5 is a further enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken substantially in the same plane as FIGURE 3 showing the lower and intermediate deck and showing a ramp structure in its raised position;

FIGURE 6 is a fragmentary view taken through 66 of FIGURE 5 showing the underside of the ramp structure;

FIGURE 7 is a still further enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken through 7-7 of FIGURE 6 but showing the lower portion of a ramp structure when in its lower position;

FIGURE 8 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken through 8-8 of FIGURE 5;

FIGURE 9 is a fragmentary sectional view similar to FIGURE 5 showing a modified construction wherein two ramp structures are mounted side by side, the ramp structures being shown by solid lines in their raised position and by broken lines in their inclined position;

FIGURE 10 is a fragmentary top or plan view of the dual ramp construction shown in FIGURE 9;

FIGURE 11 is a fragmentary sectional view corresponding to FIGURE 5 but showing a further modified form of the ramp structure wherein the ramp structure may be inclined in either of two directions, the ramp structure being shown by solid lines in one inclined position and by broken lines in its other inclined position;

FIGURE 1'2 is a fragmentary sectional view corresponding to FIGURE 11 showing the modified ramp construction in its raised position;

FIGURE 13 is a side view of one of the hydraulic lifts illustrating a guard means around its lower portion;

FIGURE 14 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken through 1414 of FIGURE 13;

FIGURE 15 is a fragmentary sectional view similar mediate deck 2, and an upper deck 3. The decks are preferably formed of precast stressed concrete modules to facilitate erection in a minimum of time on a parking lot site. The lower deck 1 is at ground level and is provided with an entrance 4 at one end. It should be noted, however, that one or more decks may be located below ground, in which case the secondor third deck may be at ground level if three decks are provided.

Each deck is rectangular in plan and is provided along its side margins with vehicle stalls 5. A longitudinal aisle 6 is formed between the lateral rows of stalls.

The aisle is preferably dimensioned transversely to accommodate two cars side by side so as to form two vehicle lanes.

The lower deck, or the deck having the entrance 4, is provided with a fixed ramp approach hump 7 located preferably in the right lane of the aisle 6 as viewed from the entrance 4. The approach hump 7 is located near the entrance and provides a rise of approximately 12 to 18 inches and at a sufiiciently low slope that an automobile may be driven upwardly over and beyond the approach hump. The lateral sides 8 of the approach hump slope downward so that vehicles may also be driven transversely 'across the approach hump.

The intermediate and upper decks 2 and 3 are provided with ramp openings 9'located in the right hand lanes of their respective aisles 6. The ramp opening in the intermediate deck 2 is so located that its forward end is vertically above the crest of the approach hump 7 in the lower deck 1. The ramp opening 9 in the upper deck 3 is so located that its forward end is a short distance rearwardly of the rear end of the opening in the intermediate deck 2. The rearward ends of the ramp openings 9 have downwardly curved ramp approaches 10.

Each ramp opening receives a ramp structure 11 which is joined into the rear margin thereof by suitable hinges 12. The hinges are so located that the ramp, when inclined, forms a continuation of the curved ramp approach 10.

The extended end of each ramp structure is provided with a sub-ramp 13 joined thereto by a hinge 14. The sub-ramp 13 is capable of pivoting upward with respect to the surface of the ramp structure but is restrained against movement a significant distance below the plane of the ramp structure. The sub-ramp is preferably provided with a counterbalance 15.

Each ramp structure further includes a plate member 16 and beams 17 along opposite sides. The surface of the plate member is coated or otherwise prepared to form a non-slip surface for movement of vehicles thereover. Near their extended ends the side beams are provided with tracks 18 which receive thrust wheels 19 carried at the upper extremities of hydraulic lifts 20. A pair of hydraulic lifts is provided for each ramp structure, one being located between the two lanes of an aisle 6 and the other being located at one side of the aisle between a pair of stalls so as to minimize interference with traflic in the aisles or the parking of vehicles in the stalls.

The hydraulic lifts function to move the ramp structures between incline-d positions interconnecting the decks of the garage construction and a raised position essentially flush with the aisle of the deck to which it is hinged. By reason of the downwardly curved ramp approaches 10, the hinged ends of the ramp structures are not precisely flush with the decks at their hinged ends. That is, when the ramp structures are in their raised position closing the ramp openings 9, the tips of the sub-ramps 13 are flush with their corresponding decks and the ramp structure slopes slightly toward the ramp approach 10. As it is intended that the ramp structures when in their closed position permit vehicle travel thereover, the ramp structures are provided with bevelled side margins 21.

As shown best in FIGURES and 6, the side margins of the ramp openings 9 are spaced a short distance from the sides of the ramp structures to form slots which accommodate foldable side guard structures 22. Each side guard structure includes longitudinally extending rails 23 and posts 24 so pivotally connected as to form parallelograms capable of folding into positions alongside the ramp structures. The posts are capable of pivoting into vertical positions as indicated in FIGURE 3 to guard the ramp opening when the corresponding ramp structure is in its inclined position.

The posts 24 of the side guard structures 22 located at their ends remote from the hinged end of the corresponding ramp structure form the corner posts of an end guard structure 25 having rails 26. These corner posts are provided at their lower ends with angularly extending lever arms 27. The lever arms 27 are connected by cables 28 and pulleys 29 to the sides of the corresponding ramp structure, preferably approximately midway between the ends thereof. The interconnection between each ramp structure 11 and the guard structures 22 and 25 is such that when the ramp structure is in its inclined position, the guard structures are in their raised position as shown in FIGURE 3, and when the ramp structure is in its raised position, the guard structures are folded to permit vehicle tr-aflic thereover. The cables 28 may be connected to counterbalance springs or to suitably arranged counterbalance weights to reduce the load imposed on the hydraulic lifts 20.

The underside of each ramp structure is provided with a network 31 of longitudinal and transversely disposed wires or cords so arranged that if engaged by an object, a switch 32 is operated. The switch is interconnected with the hydraulic lift to shut off or reverse the motion of electric motor driven pumps which operate the hydraulic lifts. As a consequence, should the ramp structure descend upon a vehicle, a person, or other object, its movement will be arrested or reversed before damage is done. Also, should the sub-ramp 13 engage an underlying object, it is readily deflected upward.

Operation of the multiple deck garage construction illustrated in FIGURES 1 through 9 is as follows:

The ramp structures are arranged in longitudinal series so that, when the ramp structures are in their inclined position, a vehicle may be driven in a straight line upwardly from the lower to the upper deck. Several or a large number of cars may be driven onto the upper deck and parked in the stalls and aisles forwardly of the ramp opening. The ramp opening may then be closed whereupon vehicles may be maneuvered into the stalls located laterally of the ramp opening. The ramp structure may then be lowered and additional vehicles driven to the upper deck. Virtually the entire upper deck may be utilized for car parking purposes with the exception, of course, of the area occupied by the ramp structure itself. Similarly, the intermediate deck structure may be filled with vehicles.

It should be noted, as indicated in FIGURE 4, that the lateral sides of the intermediate and upper deck structures slope downwardly and outwardly at a low angle, especially in the region laterally of the ramp openings so that there is no danger of the vehicles rolling by gravity into the ramp opening. In addition, electronic means, not shown, may be provided to warn in the event a vehicle contacts the guard structures or is in dangerous proximity thereto.

It will be observed that by means of the approach hump 7 in the lower deck 1 and the ramp approaches 10 in the intermediate and upper decks 2 and 3, transition zones are provided which facilitate movement of the vehicles onto and off of the various decks. A more important advantage is also gained. The ramps are located between the girders or beams which support the intermediate and upper decks. Thus, the approach hump 7 and the ramp approaches 10 do not reduce the eifective clearance below the clearance determined by the beams. They do, however, reduce substantially the length of the ramp structures. This means that the path to the upper deck may be maintained at a minimum. As a consequence, the overall length of the garage construction is maintained at a minimum to enable the garage construction to be installed on parking lot areas which are of insufficient length for other types of multiple deck parking structures.

Also, it will be observed that the aisle width need not be greater than that commonly used in a minimum width single level parking lot and all three decks may be essentially fully occupied.

Reference is now directed to FIGURES 9 and 10. These figures illustrate that both lanes of the aisle 6 may be provided with ramp structures so as to facilitate trafiic flow between the decks of the garage construction. During rush periods both ramps may be used. During slack periods a single ramp may be employed.

Reference is now directed to FIGURES 11 and 12 which illustrate a modified ramp structure so arranged that either end may be raised, permitting the ramp to be inclined in either of two directions. Each modified ramp structure 32 is divided into two aligned sections 33 and 34. Each section includes a deck plate 35 and side beams 36. The side beams of one of the sections are provided with extensions 37 which fit into the side beams of the other section to permit limited longitudinal extension and contraction of the ramp structure. Both ends of the modified ramp structure are provided with hydraulic lifts 38.

Both ends of the ramp structure 32 are provided with brackets 39 and are pivotally connected to the extended ends of the hydraulic lifts 38 by pivot pins 40, or the like.

In addition, both ends of the corresponding ramp opening 9 are provided with curved ramp approaches 10. As in the first described structure, side guard structures 22 are provided at opposite sides of the modified ramp structure 32. A pair of end guard structures 41 are provided which in this case are independent of the side guard structure 22. Each end guard structure includes posts 42 and rails 43. The end guard structures 41 tend to occupy a position overlying the corresponding end of the ramp structure 32. However, the end guard structures 41 are connected to the corresponding ends of the ramp structure by cables 44 and springs 45 so arranged that when the corresponding end of the ramp structure is in its lower position, the cable 44 draws the end guard to its raised position, as shown to the left of FIGURE 11. When the corresponding end of the ramp structure is raised, the end guard structure folds thereover, as shown to the right of FIGURE 11. Still further, if both ends of the modified ramp structure are raised as represented in FIGURE 12, both end guard structures 41 as well as the side guard structures 22 occupy folded positions.

When the modified ramp structure is in its raised position, it lies in a horizontal rather than slightly inclined position with its ends in alignment with the curved ramp approaches 10. The sides of the modified ramp structure are provided with sloping or bevelled side flanges 46 so that vehicles may be maneuvered longitudinally or transversely across the ramp structure when the ramp structure is functioning as a part of the deck. It should be observed that while the side flanges 46 and 8 of the two ramp structures are shown as forming a part of the ramp structures, they may instead be incorporated in the decks in the manner of the ramp approaches Operation of the modified ramp structure is as follows:

In the use of the modified ramp structure between the lower and intermediate deck, a pair of ramp approach humps 7 are employed. The modified ramp structure lends itself to use where it is feasible to provide an entrance at one end of the main deck and an exit at the other end thereof.- In this case the ramp structures are inclined in one direction for upward travel of vehicles and are inclined in the opposite direction for downward travel of vehicles.

' Also, it should be noted that a double tilting ramp structure may be installed between the first and second decks only, utilizing a single inclined ramp structure between the second and third decks. Still further, should ground space permit the use of four decks, a double tilting ramp structure may be employed between the second and third decks and single tilting ramp structures between the first and second and between the third and fourth decks. In other words, the double tilting ramp structure may be located at the crossing region of an X path between the decks.

It will also be observed that a double tilting ramp structure lends itself to use in pairs by tilting the members of each pair in opposite directions.

Reference is directed to FIGURES 13 and 14. The hydraulic lifts offer a minimum hazard to vehicle trafiic. However, to minimize damage to the hydraulic lifts and to the vehicles and also to prevent soiling of clothes by pedestrian contact with the oily surfaces of the hydraulic lifts, the hydraulic lifts may be encased in springs 47 that may be coated withan elastom er and may also incorporate means for actuating a warning system. In addition, the lower portions may be provided with telescoping guard sleeves 48 and 49 normally held in their extended relation by the spring 47.

Reference is now directed to FIGURES and 16.

The ramp construction here illustrated is so arranged This is accomplished by providing depending brackets 50 near the extended end of the ramp on opposite sides thereof. Cables 51 are attached thereto and extend around pulleys 52 secured under the deck above and are attached to rods 53 connected to power cylinders 54 mounted under the deck.

The ramp structure so supported descends by gravity, and is raised by drawing the rods 53 into the cylinders 54. In case the cables are engaged by a vehicle moving on the ramp, the cables yield and the ramp raises slightly, thus minimizing the possibility of damage.

While particular embodiments of this invention have been shown and described, it is not intended to limit the same to the exact details of the constructions set forth, and it embraces such changes, modifications, and equivalents of the parts and their formation and arrangement as come within the purview of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1(a). A multiple deck garage construction comprising:

(b) at least a pair of decks one above the other;

(c) each deck having an aisleway and automobile parking stalls laterally thereof;

(d) one of said decks having an entrance communicating with an end of its aisle;

(e) the other of said decks having a ramp opening in its deck;

(f) a ramp structure movable between a' secured position closing said ramp opening to form means for trafiic of vehicles on the surface of the corresponding deck, and an inclined position for traffic of vehicles between said decks,

(g) a guard structure bordering said ramp opening, said guard structure being movable between a raised position guarding said opening and a lower position essentially flush with said deckior movement of vehicles thereover;

(h) and means for moving said guard structure to its raised position when said ramp structure is lowered, and for moving said guard structure to its lower position when said ramp structure is raised.

2(a). A multiple deck garage construction comprising:

(b) at least a pair of decks one above the other;

(c) each deck having an aisleway and automobile parking stalls laterally thereof;

(d) one of said decks having an entrance communicating with an end of its aisle;

(e) the other of said decks having a ramp opening in its deck;

(f) a ram structure dimensioned to close said ramp opening;

(g) means for pivoting said ramp structure at one end within said ramp opening for movement of said ramp structure between an essentially horizontal position closing said opening and an inclined position interconnecting said decks;

(h) means for securing said ramp structure in said horizontal and raised closing position whereby said ramp structure forms -a part of the aisle occupied by said opening to support vehicle trafiic thereover;

(i) a guard structure bordering said ramp opening, said guard structure being movable between a raised position guarding said opening and a lower position essentially flush with said deck for movement of vehicles thereover;

(j) and means for moving said guard structure to its raised position when said ramp structure is lowered, and for moving said guard structure to its lower position when said ramp structure is raised.

3(a) A multiple deck garage construction comprising:

(b) a set of decks one above the other having vertically related aisles in which to maneuver vehicles and later- :ally disposed vehicle stalls;

(c) a linearly disposed series of ramp openings in the aisles of said decks;

(d) a linearly disposed set of ramps disposed in said ramp openings and pivotably connected at corresponding ends thereof to form a continuous linear pathway from the lowermost to the uppermost of said set of decks;

(e) means for supporting each of said ramps essentially flush with the upper of the decks connected thereby to close said openings and cooperate with said aisles for movement of vehicles thereover;

(f) a guard structure bordering said ramp opening, said guard structure being movable between a raised position guarding said opening and a lower position essentially flush with said deck for movement of vehicles thereover;

(g) and means for moving said guard structure to its raised position when said ramp structure is lowered, and for moving said guard structure to its lower position when said ramp structure is raised.

4(a). A multiple deck garage construction comprising: (b) an upper deck having a ramp opening and a depressed upper ramp approach at one end thereof; (c) a lower deck having a lower ramp approach raised upwardly therefrom;

(d) a ramp structure;

(e) pivot means for said ramp structure adjacent said upper ramp approach, for movement of said ramp structure between an inclined position interconnecting said ram approaches, and a raised position closing said opening;

(f) means for securing said ramp in a position closing said opening for traflic on said upper deck across said opening;

(g) and a sub-ramp hinged to the lower end of said ramp structure, said sub-ramp being upwardly yieldable.

5(a). A multiple deck garage construction comprising:

(b) at least a pair of decks one above the other;

(e) each deck having an aisleway and automobile parking stalls laterally thereof;

(d) one of said decks having an entrance communicating with an end, of its aisle;

(e) the other of said decks having a ramp opening in its deck;

(f) a ramp structure movable between a secured position closing said ramp opening to form means for traffic of vehicles on the surface of the corresponding deck,.and an inclined position for trafiic of vehicles between decks;

(g) a guard structure bordering said ramp opening, said guard structure being movable between a raised position guarding said opening and a lower position essentially flush with said deck for movement of vehicles thereover;

(h) a sub-ramp pivotally connected to the lower end of said ramp structure;

(i) and means partially counterbalancing said, subramp to permit free forward movement of said subramp relative to said ramp structure on engagement of an underlying object by said sub-ramp.

6. A multiple deck garage construction, comprising:

(a) a lower deck, and an upper deck;

(b) a fixed ramp approach having an ascending side and a descending side, said sides merging into a curved peak, whereby a vehicle may pass over and beyond said approach ramp;

(0) a ramp structure pivotally connected to said upper deck;

(d) and an upwardly tiltable sub-ramp hinged to the extended end of said ramp structure, said sub-ramp being engageable with the peak of said approach ramp.

7. A multiple deck garage construction comprising:

(a) at least a pair of decks one above the other; I

(b) each deck having an aisleway and automobile parking stalls laterally thereof;

(c) one of said decks having an entrance communicating with an end of its aisle;

(d) the other of said decks having a ramp opening in its deck;

(e) a ram structure dimensioned to close said ramp opening;

(f) means for pivoting said ramp structure at one end within said ramp opening for movement of said ram-p structure between an essentially horizontal position closing said opening and an inclined position interconnecting said decks;

(g) means for securing said ramp structure in said horizontal and raised closing position whereby said ramp structure forms a part of the aisle occupied by said opening to support vehicle traffic thereover;

(h) a foldable guard structure bordering said ramp opening;

(i) means operable by said ramp structure for moving said guard structure between a raised position pr-otecting said ramp openings, when said ramp structure is inclined for vehicle tratfic. between said decks, and a folded position flush with said deck, when said ramp structure is raised for trafiic on said deck;

(j) and a touch sensitive means disposed under said ramp structure and operable to effect varrest of downward movement thereof to its inclined position on engagement with an object thereunder.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS Re. 10,838 5/1887 Curtiss 187-35 2,432,228 '12/1947 Delano 21416.10 X 2,695,716 11/1954 Graham 52-175 2,698,974 1/1955 White 52175 2,717,088 9/1955 Morley 21416.18 2,758,552 8/1956 Browne 21416.10 X 2,815,872 12/1957 Graham 1472 X FOREIGN PATENTS 1,124,411 1956 France.

299,508 1928 Great Britain.

FRANK L. ABBOTT, Primary Examiner,

JOHN E. MURTAGH, Examiner, 

7. A MULTIPLE DECK GARAGE CONSTRUCTION COMPRISING: (A) AT LEAST A PAIR OF DECKS ONE ABOVE THE OTHER; (B) EACH DECK HAVING AN AISLEWAY AND AUTOMOBILE PARKING STALLS LATERALLY THEREOF; (C) ONE OF SAID DECKS HAVING AN ENTRANCE COMMUNICATING WITH AN END OF ITS AISLE; (D) THE OTHER OF SAID DECKS HAVING A RAMP OPENING IN ITS DECK; (E) A RAMP STRUCTURE DIMENSIONED TO CLOSE SAID RAMP OPENING; (F) MEANS FOR PIVOTING SAID RAMP STRUCTURE AT ONE END WITHIN SAID RAMP OPENING FOR MOVEMENT OF SAID RAMP STRUCTURE BETWEEN AN ESSENTIALLY HORIZONTAL POSITION CLOSING SAID OPENING AND AN INCLINED POSITION INTERCONNECTING SAID DECKS; (G) MEANS FOR SECURING SAID RAMP STRUCTURE IN SAID HORIZONTAL AND RAISED CLOSING POSITION WHEREBY SAID RAMP STRUCTURE FORMS A PART OF THE AISLE OCCUPIED BY SAID OPENING TO SUPPORT VEHICLE TRAFFIC THEREOVER; (H) A FOLDABLE GUARD STRUCTURE BORDERING SAID RAMP OPENING; (I) MEANS OPERABLE BY SAID RAMP STRUCTURE FOR MOVING SAID GUARD STRUCTURE BETWEEN A RAISED POSITION PROTECTING SAID RAMP OPENINGS, WHEN SAID RAMP STRUCTURE IS INCLINED FOR VEHICLE TRAFFIC BETWEEN SAID DECKS, AND A FOLDED POSITION FLUSH WITH SAID DECK, WHEN SAID RAMP STRUCTURE IS RAISED FOR TRAFFIC ON SAID DECK; (J) AND A TOUCH SENSITIVE MEANS DIPOSED UNDER SAID RAMP STRUCTURE AND OPERABLE TO EFFECT ARREST OF DOWNWARD MOVEMENT THEREOF TO ITS INCLINED POSITION ON ENGAGEMENT WITH AN OBJECT THEREUNDER. 